Best Bookshelf Speakers
Choosing the best bookshelf speakers can be a very daunting task. However, there are several things that people should look for when shopping for the best wireless speaker system.
Performance
Basically, the sound that is produced by any kind of speaker is what breaks or makes it. In an ideal setting, a speaker can reproduce the entire sound range of human hearing. This starts from an extremely low 20 cycles or Hertz per second. It can reach a maximum of 20,000 Hertz or cycles.
In reality, there is no speaker that can create an entire range. Yet, there are some that come close. At the same time, a number of speakers can produce ultrasonic overtones. These sounds are very high for some people. However, they are vital for completing the lower frequency sounds. They also add a lot of spaciousness and ambiance to great recordings.
Features
Bookshelf speakers are often utilized in a home theater setup, and many of these components are magnetically shielded. This prevents them from interfering with a TV’s image if it is placed near them. However, this is not an issue with flat-screen TVs.
People must also consider the input wattage that will best utilize the speaker. Many manufacturers site these specifications in a variety of manners. A lot of them quote maximum and minimum input levels. Others only specify the peak and average wattage that can be handled. When choosing speakers, it is vital that the receiver or amplifier provides power within the ranges that the manufacturer specifies.
Drivers
These are the distinctive sound transducers found within the speaker enclosure. The best bookshelf speakers have a driver designed for low-frequency mid-range tones and for reproducing bass. They should also have a high-frequency driver or tweeter for the upper ranges. In addition, they come with a passive crossover and include rotes signals for sending a specified frequency to the right driver.
It is true that a large driver can create lower bass. This is because it can move a larger amount of air at a greater pressure. However, there are also other factors that play a major part in creating the best sound. This includes driver construction and the material used.
Enclosure Features
This is the box that secures the speaker assembly. It is usually made of a medium density fiberboard and finished with either gloss vinyl or wood-grain. An enclosure has a direct effect on the sound. This is especially true with the quantity and quality of bass that is being created.
Bass-reflex speakers utilize the rearward movement of a low frequency speaker. This is to create additional bass. The sound pressure is pushed rearward, forward or outward with a bass-reflex port.
Muddier sound can occur if the configuration produces more bass. The acoustic suspension and alternative design utilizes a sealed enclosure. Although this has less bass response, it is frequently more precise.
HIGHLY RATED BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS
Klipsch B-20 2013
This is one of the top-selling bookshelf speaker systems available on the market today. Although Klipsch does not specify a minimum input wattage, this home audio system is very impressive in handling an acceptable 85 watts of power on a constant basis. At the same time, it can handle transients or peak power up to 340W. This is very important when watching movies with sound effects and explosions.
This speaker is also magnetically shielded. This protects it from interference coming from other devices including computer monitors. This is vital in a home theater setting.
Similar to other drivers, it has a two-way design. This means that there are two distinctive drivers found within the enclosure. What sets it apart is that it is constructed from IMG or injection molded graphite. This makes it a bit stiffer than other paper-coned drivers. It also tends to react more precisely and has much faster treble content.
This is also coupled with a 0.75 inch aluminum diaphragm high frequency driver. At the same time, it features a patented Tractix Horn. This single component contributes to extraordinary top-end performance. The speaker can also extend up to 23KHZ. This means it can create an exceptional ambiance that other audio systems cannot.
Boston Acoustics CS26
This bookshelf speaker does a remarkable job of creating a full range of musical frequencies even though it is small in size. At the same time, it can be used with a minimum of 10W of power. The speaker can also handle a maximum of 150W of input. This is a huge amount of power for a little bookshelf speaker.
It is also magnetically shielded, and this feature is vital in home theater applications. The Boston Acoustics CS26 is also gold plated. This helps minimize the possibility of corrosion. This bookshelf speaker also includes one low frequency tweeter and incorporates Boston Acoustics Deep Channel Design. With this, it creates more bass response while using less amplifier power.
The high frequency driver is made with a one-inch design from a material called Kortec. This is a stiffening agent that makes it highly responsive. It also comes with a soft fabric that is combined with a reinforced underside to create a winning combination. This is because it helps the treble tones be responsive and precise. In addition, it aids in maintaining smooth and superior musicality.
Polk AudioTSi100
This bookshelf speaker system can deliver outstanding treble performance. The sound is remarkably clean and detailed without experiencing the fatigue that affects a number of high-frequency drivers. With this, an audiophile can enjoy their music anytime they want.
Its manufacturer recommends an amplifier or tuner that has an input range from 20W to 100W. However, this narrower range is adequate for most users. It also has five-way binding posts that are gold plated. This ensures a good cable connection and helps prevent corrosion.
Similar to other speakers, this component has a high and low-frequency driver. The low frequency unit is created from polycarbonate. This makes it very stiff but light. It also helps the speaker respond precisely and quickly for clear sound at any level.
This speaker also has a soft silk dome tweeter. This helps create precise high sounds but is never irritating or shrill. At the same time, its enclosure is well braced and sturdy with 34 inch baffles. This contributes to the speaker’s realistic sound and eliminates distortion.
JBL ES20
Many JBL ES20 speaker reviews are very positive. Owners are thoroughly impressed with its treble response and very affordable price. One distinguishing feature is the presence of a built-in super ultrahigh transducer. Combined with the speaker’s tweeter, this creates the terrific treble response that many audiophiles have observed.
The maximum recommended power for the amplifier is 125W. It can also withstand transients up to 240W and is magnetically shielded. This causes no interference to a computer monitor. The speaker also has gold-plated five-way connectors that helps prevent corrosion.
The majority of the speaker’s sonic output is handled by one five-inch low frequency driver. It is coated with a material JBL called PolyPlas. This helps it react smoothly and quickly across the frequency range and creates accurate and smooth sound.
This speaker’s cabinetry is more expensive than that of other speakers. The front surface is a gray vinyl, and the sides are available either in cherry wood grain vinyl or black ash. The JBL ES20 is created with a bass reflex design that has rear-firing bass support.
BIC America DV62si
This is a top rated two-way bookshelf speaker. It can be used either with a home theater setup or in a stereo music system. It is also one of the leading bookshelf speakers for the price. In addition, it has a number of pretty impressive specifications.
One of its notable features is that it has a sensitivity of 90Db. This makes it very competitive with the market’s top bookshelf speakers. Its dynamic frequency range is more noteworthy. This is because it has a bass response that goes down to 43Hz.
The treble response from this bookshelf speaker is also worth mentioning. This is because it has a remarkable peak range of 21kHz. This exceeds the regular highest frequencies that people can hear. It also has super-high tones that add to music spectral qualities.
The manufacturer recommends a minimum power input of 10W. It can also handle a maximum input that can reach 175W. This is a very good spread that can meet the majority of people’s needs. At the same time, it is magnetically shielded. This helps prevent video interference.
Five-way speaker inputs ensure good cable connections and convenience when using dual or single banana plugs, spade or pin connectors. The mid-range and bass frequencies are created by a lone six and a half inch driver. This has a cone that is created from either a rigid graphite or ploy material. This helps the speaker respond very cleanly across the board.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Choosing the best bookshelf speakers is a great way for people to enhance their entertainment experience. This is because these components can help deliver great sound. They can also fit into very small spaces where floor standing speakers cannot. Everyone from hardcore music lovers to home theater enthusiasts will have a place in their homes for bookshelf speakers.